Honeywell has supported German-based ACC COLUMBIA service centre with upgrades to the latest cockpit, cabin and connectivity systems, alongside mandate equipment to retrofit and modernise a Bombardier Global Express jet.

The jet was upgraded with the JetWave satellite hardware for Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX, enabling the fastest global broadband connectivity for business passengers to work and make calls in the air.

Since the refurbishment in November 2018, the aircraft is in full service and is the largest single aircraft update within the business jet space, making the jet the equivalent of a new aircraft at 10% of the cost, with enhanced safety and efficiency elements.

Nils Janssen, Managing Director, ACC COLUMBIA Jet Services, said: “The cost of buying a new business aircraft continues to increase, so operators are looking toward modifying their jets with upgraded solutions as an investment.

“As a revered service centre, we’ve worked closely with Honeywell to upgrade jets to increase the value and install the most efficient solutions for our customers.

“This ensures they’re able to reduce workloads for pilots through the latest avionics, while providing business passengers with seamless in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment, for increased productivity while travelling.”

With Honeywell’s solutions at the heart of the Bombardier Global Express upgrade, the operator is seeing the benefits of reduced operational and fuel costs, through an updated flight management system and GoDirect services.

The cockpit was also modernised with the Primus Elite integrated avionics system, ensuring compliance with air navigation mandates ahead of the 2020 deadline.

In addition to the cost savings, Honeywell and ACC COLUMBIA completed all upgrades at the same time to minimize aircraft downtime.

The modifications to the jet have significantly increased aircraft bluebook value and efficiency through a reduction in overall aircraft weight, demonstrating one of the key advantages to upgrading an aircraft, over buying an entirely new aircraft.

ACC COLUMBIA and Honeywell will continue to support and provide upgrades to the Bombardier Global Express jet, specifically with the SmartView Synthetic Vision system later this year, to complete the aircraft refurbishment.

Inmarsat has announced ‘JX-Pro’, a new top-end package for its Jet ConneX business aviation inflight broadband solution, with unlimited data usage and 33% higher speeds compared to the service’s previous fastest plan.

The new package was unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva. It says it provides new and existing Jet ConneX customers with unrivalled performance and the fastest inflight connectivity speeds available in the market.

Jet ConneX is the only global, high-speed inflight broadband option available in Ka-band for business jets today.

Powered by Inmarsat’s wholly-owned and operated network of high-throughput satellites, it provides fast and reliable connectivity in the air, similar to what has previously only been available on the ground, with coverage across 100% of major routes.

Kai Tang, Senior Vice President of Channel at Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Jet ConneX has received an extremely positive response from the business aviation market. More than 500 installations have already been completed and take-up rates show no signs of slowing down.

“We strive to evolve the service in response to market feedback, as the launch of JX-Pro today has shown. Demand is expected to be strong and we look forward to rolling out the ground-breaking new capabilities of this package offering with our global network of partners.”

Jet ConneX will benefit from Inmarsat’s confirmed investment in new Ka-band payloads to further enhance its global service, with new satellite launches scheduled in 2019, 2020 and 2021. In addition, planning is currently under way for Inmarsat’s next generation of satellites.

Honeywell’s satellite communications hardware, GoDirect Router, has been installed under modification development by ALAMO Engineering on an Embraer Legacy 650 jet for the first time.

The GoDirect Router allows access to its four-channel Inmarsat SwiftBroadband SATCOM, as well as Honeywell’s Ovation Select Cabin Management System.

This is the first time the two solutions have been combined in the business aviation space.

Honeywell says with this recent connectivity installation and Honeywell GoDirect as airtime service provider, the operator of the Legacy 650 jet will benefit from nose-to-tail Honeywell hardware and a router that’s 65% smaller in size and 70% more cost-effective than others on the market, ultimately leading to an overall reduction in aircraft weight and installation costs for the operator.

Ivan Grigoriev, Managing Director, ALAMO Engineering, said: “Stable and fast in-flight Wi-Fi continues to be a staple for business passengers and increasingly expected on all jets, regardless of size.

“Honeywell has developed an agnostic router solution that can be easily implemented onto business jets to allow operators to utilise new or existing connectivity equipment across the cabin without the high installation costs.

“Working with Honeywell, we can now provide Embraer Legacy 650 operators and owners with a solution to deliver and enjoy unparalleled cabin connectivity in the air from a single router, enhancing the passenger experience while still managing usage and bandwidth as needed.”

As a satellite communication component, the GoDirect Router can be integrated with any SATCOM system, allowing for seamless installation and reducing the risk of unnecessary downtime for operators.

As well, the GoDirect Network Application gives the flight crew increased connectivity control and troubleshooting tools at their fingertips, ensuring they can deliver the highest-quality service for passenger satisfaction and productivity.

Viasat has announced it received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Ka-band in-flight connectivity system, the Global Aero Terminal 5510, on super midsize cabin business jets.

Since receiving kit certification, Viasat has installed the equipment on its first aircraft, which is now flying, and has several additional installations under way.

The STC enables Viasat to install its terminal, wiring, server and wireless access points on-board key business and VIP aircraft.

With the shipset installed, private jet passengers and crew can be simultaneously connected to a high-speed, high-quality internet connection that will enable multi-site video conference calling, access to corporate VPN connections and email, streaming of bandwidth-intensive videos, TV, music and more – during all stages of flight.

“We are making positive headway in the business aviation market—with our kit certified, first retrofit installed and several more deployments in progress. We are ready to bring more passengers and crew the reliable, high-speed in-flight internet service required to meet the ever-growing demand for connectivity anywhere.”

About the Ka-band Global Aero Terminal 5510

Its smaller size provides key advantages: it does not require space in the luggage compartment, enabling it to be installed in the non-pressurized areas of the aircraft and it lowers overall installed system weight compared to many competing offerings, which can potentially offer fuel savings.

The terminal taps into Viasat’s ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and KA-SAT European Ka-band satellite platforms today; will be able to leverage capacity on Viasat’s partner Ka-band satellite networks; and is expected to be forward-compatible with Viasat’s future-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3—enabling use of the ViaSat-3 capacity with no additional hardware upgrades.

]]>Ebace: Gogo and ForeFlight enable GPS on mobile apphttps://www.getconnected.aero/2019/05/gogo-and-foreflight-enable-gps-on-mobile-app-for-bizav/
Tue, 21 May 2019 08:53:13 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7901Gogo Business Aviation and ForeFlight have partnered to bring new GPS location information and altitude to the ForeFlight Mobile iOS-based application for business aviation. Using an onboard Gogo AVANCE system... Read more »

Gogo Business Aviation and ForeFlight have partnered to bring new GPS location information and altitude to the ForeFlight Mobile iOS-based application for business aviation.

Using an onboard Gogo AVANCE system or an ATG 4000/5000, ForeFlight Mobile can now deliver flight location information throughout the cockpit and cabin using Wi-Fi – information typically provided via a separate GPS system that requires additional onboard hardware and antennas.

Lisa Peterson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Digital (IoT) for Gogo Business Aviation, said: “Our goal with this initiative was to simplify the overall on-aircraft systems configuration and reduce the number of onboard systems that passengers and crew are required to interact with and use on a regular basis.

“It not only makes operating the aircraft more efficient, it saves a significant amount of time and money for the owner or operator because the aircraft doesn’t have to be taken out of service for installation of new antennas or equipment which GPS systems require.”

“Through this new service, the ForeFlight iOS mobile application on a passenger device can use flight location information – specifically longitude, latitude and altitude – sent to the onboard Gogo system from the aircraft’s FMS that is then made available via the cabin Wi-Fi network.”

Tyson Weihs, CEO of ForeFlight, said: “With this new capability, ForeFlight customers can get position data directly from the Gogo system which provides additional insight for passengers and crew about the aircraft’s location.

]]>Interactive Mobility expands entertainment for business aviationhttps://www.getconnected.aero/2019/05/interactive-mobility-expands-entertainment-for-business-aviation/
Mon, 20 May 2019 09:19:49 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7899Interactive Mobility has expanded its media offering to business aviation. Already successful with international airlines, the French start-up brings to this booming market an innovative solution, rapid to deploy and... Read more »

Interactive Mobility has expanded its media offering to business aviation. Already successful with international airlines, the French start-up brings to this booming market an innovative solution, rapid to deploy and cost-efficient.

Developed by Interactive Mobility, Flymingo is a streaming service enabling flight passengers to connect to a local Cloud via a box to access media content – films, games, media, flight information – directly on their devices.

This BYOD-based innovation responds to the growing need for an ergonomic and expanded interactive entertainment offering, without requiring any connectivity, contributing to an optimal in-flight user experience.

Flymingo, a global offering of Wireless In-Flight Entertainment, includes three solutions: Flymingo Box, a small server enabling to rapidly deploy a highly performing streaming service; Flymingo Next, an advanced embedded server for connected planes; and Flymingo Connect whose IFEC portal is integrated on airlines’ existing infrastructure to provide passengers a new entertainment experience.

“Flymingo brings operators an innovative, attractive and rapid to deploy solution, enabling them to differentiate their offering and improve the economics of a business aviation fleet.

“Contributing to in-flight comfort, it is an alternative to screens or in-flight connectivity which can represent costly and technical solutions for aircraft manufacturers and fleet operators.”

Interactive Mobility has chosen EBACE, the European trade show dedicated to this sector which will take place in Geneva from May 21st to 23rd, to launch its offerings targeting the business aviation market, which continues its transformation with new consumption modes linked to geographically diversified customers.

]]>K5-Aviation adds Gogo 2Ku inflight connectivity to ACJ319https://www.getconnected.aero/2019/05/k5-aviation-adds-gogo-2ku-inflight-connectivity-system-to-acj319/
Mon, 20 May 2019 08:44:19 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7893Gogo has announced it will install a 2Ku system on an Airbus ACJ319 business jet operated by K5-Aviation. The installation will be the first to be done on an Airbus... Read more »

Gogo has announced it will install a 2Ku system on an Airbus ACJ319 business jet operated by K5-Aviation.

The installation will be the first to be done on an Airbus ACJ319neo, and it is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The installation design and system integration will be managed by Fokker Techniek B.V. under its ACJ319 EASA STC, and will be completed at its facilities in Woensdrecht, The Netherlands, as part of the green ACJ319neo aircraft VIP completion.

Sergio Aguirre, President of Gogo Business Aviation, said: “Today’s announcement shows how strongly K5-Aviation believes in our 2Ku system and underscores how well the first two of our 2Ku systems they installed are performing.

“2Ku is the best-performing connectivity solution in commercial aviation and we are pleased that our customers who fly large business jets are now able to enjoy the same terrific experience.”

Gogo’s 2Ku technology is the leading in-flight connectivity technology available to business aviation customers flying larger private aircraft and on commercial airlines operating globally.

Luca Madone of K5-Aviation said: “Our passengers can stay connected virtually anywhere we fly around the globe and they are having an incredible connectivity experience thanks to Gogo’s 2Ku system.

“The capabilities of Gogo’s 2Ku system and network are unmatched anywhere else in business aviation which allows passengers to do virtually anything online while in flight that they do on the ground.

“Gogo’s 2Ku system seamlessly integrates with our ultra-modern Alster Aero CMS/IFE system which we have installed on our aircraft to give our passengers an online experience never before seen in aviation.”

“Having access to the internet, plus being connected and available, is critical for passengers, and the demand for bandwidth will only increase. We are proud to be able to provide our customers with an excellent connectivity experience.”

Gogo’s 2Ku technology delivers industry-leading performance globally with peak antenna speeds of 70 Mbps – enabling passengers to do the same online activities while airborne that they do on the ground.

For business aviation, that means live video conferencing, fast Internet browsing and streaming video.

Gogo says 2Ku is designed to take advantage of innovations happening in space and is compatible with newer high-throughput and other anticipated satellites, which means that the technology and user experience can continue to improve without the need for invasive changes to the aircraft.

This flexibility means Gogo’s customers can be confident the system is future ready and ahead of the curve from a technology perspective.

2Ku is a unique dual antenna system developed by Gogo to bring global streaming-capable Internet to large aircraft. It says the technology benefits from global coverage and the redundancy of more than 100 satellites in the Ku-band.

In addition, the proprietary antenna design gives 2Ku a significant cost and performance advantage over other global solutions.

Gogo has more than 1,100 2Ku aircraft online and has a backlog of approximately 900 2Ku aircraft across 18 of the largest airlines around the globe.

Eighty-one per cent of the nearly 600 subscribed aircraft have experienced a cyber event that has been thwarted by the SD service.

In addition, the seriousness of the attempted hacks has amplified, with a 54% increase in critical and high-level threats from the same period last year.

A critical threat represents activity that can affect default installations of widely deployed software resulting in the compromise of servers and devices, as well as leaving the “door open” for other hackers.

Trojans, viruses and operating system vulnerabilities all fall into the critical category. A high level represents a threat from web browser exploitation or malware, which can be elevated to a critical status. This type of threat can potentially cause serious long-term damages to corporate networks.

In particular, SD has identified a trend that shows an increase in attacks from advanced persistent threat groups such as the well-known Fancy Bear, as well as sophisticated hackers, which are often commissioned by nation states or criminal organizations to specifically target VIPs.

Josh Wheeler, Senior Director of Cybersecurity at SD said: “These perpetrators making particularly damaging threats invariably involve a group of black-hat hackers working in a closed network that continuously attack aircraft.

The SD Threat Monitoring module, accessible through the SD Pro dashboard, constantly monitors all inbound and outbound threats from aircraft subscribed to the 24/7 monitoring service.

Delivering a real-time, centralised in-flight view of the cabin network, it makes aircraft data activity visible to flight departments and the SD cybersecurity experts. Abnormal network behaviour is highlighted using a variety of threat analysis and prevention solutions, as well as human expertise.

Potential threats, attacks, and intrusions are blocked before they reach the digital devices or aircraft. If a compromised device is identified in flight, threats can be blocked before they propagate to other passengers or “call home” to the malicious actor.

Operating in real-time, the system alerts users, identifies causes, and provides remedial steps. The systems works for all level of threats from low through to critical.

Pilatus has selected the Gogo AVANCE L3 inflight connectivity technology from Gogo Business Aviation as a factory option on new production PC-12 NG aircraft.

The PC-12 NG becomes the first single-engine turboprop to have the L3 system installed at the factory and because the L3 includes Gogo Vision – it marks the first time passengers on a PC-12 NG will have access to Gogo Vision’s extensive list of features, including movies and television programs.

Mark Sander, Vice President of OEM sales for Gogo, said: “Pilatus’ selection of Gogo AVANCE L3 is a great step forward with a valued partner who recognises the value of our software-centric AVANCE platform and the reliability and performance of the Gogo Biz network.

“The Gogo AVANCE L3 offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability compared to other inflight connectivity solutions in business aviation and now, for the first time, passengers on a PC-12 NG can access entertainment services provided by Gogo Vision.”

AVANCE L3 is an inflight connectivity and entertainment system that delivers the benefits of the Gogo AVANCE platform in a small, lightweight form factor, with the most affordable pricing options in business aviation.

With AVANCE L3 users can customise their inflight experience based on their unique needs and is an ideal solution for smaller aircraft including single-engine turboprops.

“Our customers enjoy having the ability to be connected when they fly and we’re pleased to offer Gogo’s AVANCE L3 as an option from the factory,” said Tom Aniello, Vice President of Marketing for Pilatus.

“The additional value-added features and benefits that are included as part of the AVANCE L3 made it an easy decision to offer it to our customers from the factory.”

The Gogo AVANCE platform integrates a full range of Smart Cabin features, allowing passengers to simply and reliably access and use all available data, voice, maps, entertainment and cabin management system (CMS) services.

Users can also read the latest news clips and articles from top digital magazines and business news outlets, or watch movies and TV shows using Gogo Vision (service plan required) which is standard on AVANCE L3.

For customers looking for full internet connectivity, AVANCE L3 can be enabled to connect to the Gogo Biz data network delivering a 3G experience. With AVANCE L3 operators can tailor their passengers’ connectivity experience.

Operators can also control and manage the number of devices they allow to connect and can scale their configuration up or down seamlessly as needs change.

]]>Zeusch Aviation completes first broadcast relay flighthttps://www.getconnected.aero/2019/05/zeusch-aviation-completes-first-broadcast-relay-flight/
Thu, 02 May 2019 16:47:45 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7867Netherlands-based Zeusch Aviation completed its first broadcast relay flight this month when it worked with media technology company NEP to support live television coverage of this year’s Volta Limburg Classic... Read more »

Netherlands-based Zeusch Aviation completed its first broadcast relay flight this month when it worked with media technology company NEP to support live television coverage of this year’s Volta Limburg Classic single-day bicycle race in Limburg, The Netherlands.

The aircraft flew above the circular route as live images were captured from the ground, relayed to the base station which immediately sent footage to the Outside Broadcast Vehicle ready for broadcast.

To support the aerial relay Zeusch deployed its King Air C90A, which is specially outfitted with dedicated antennas on the underside of the fuselage and wings to capture the images and relay them to the NEP ground station.

A two-meter relay boom can be extended and retracted during each mission to strengthen the relay reception range.

An extra camera fitted to the belly of the plane ensures pilots can verify the boom is retracted prior to landing. The Zeusch aircraft formed an integral part of the broadcast team working alongside two motorcycles tracking the race and a helicopter filming the event.

With the start and finish of the race in Eijsden, just south of Maastricht, the Zeusch Aviation aircraft flew a circular route above the race for the three-hour broadcast. The skies above Maastricht are well known for being some of the busiest in Europe.

In addition, its location on a three-border triangle between The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, involved continuous flying across three separate air traffic control spaces.

Careful flight planning was undertaken by the crew to ensure uninterrupted relay services during the three-hour 45-minute flight.

“Our mission is to act as a satellite for the camera operators on the ground and in the helicopter as we provide an aerial bridge between the film crew and the director.

Boudewijn Schaapveld, First Officer for Zeusch Aviation, said: “The operational capabilities of the King Air make it the perfect aircraft for the relay role. It’s endurance, flexibility and capacity to fly for hours at a time supports the requirements to conduct reliable relay missions. We even landed back at base with fuel to spare.”

The NEP relay-flight was the first of many confirmed on the books for Zeusch.

NEP has already confirmed 10 European sporting events this year with Zeusch providing aerial relay support in the skies above Slovenia, Norway, Hungary, Croatia and Germany.

The next relay flight will be providing broadcast support the Hammer race, a three-day cycling event, in Norway in May.

“NEP is known for providing robust, reliable broadcast services and media solutions. Our people and know-how facilitate viewing of some of the world’s largest live broadcast events.

“We need to provide an end-to-end workflow, from capturing images to delivering them to the viewers, and must have reliable relay services to ensure seamless content delivery on any platform and on any device.

“We were completely satisfied with the efficient, effective performance of Zeusch Aviation and now consider the aircraft a regular part of our broadcast services unit. In fact, we have signed a five-year agreement with them and are looking forward to the next race already,” said an NEP spokesperson.

]]>UAS, Honeywell, and Hongkong Jet to sign partnership dealhttps://www.getconnected.aero/2019/04/uas-honeywell-and-hongkong-jet-to-sign-partnership-deal/
Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:06:44 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7834UAS International Trip Support and Honeywell are joining forces to provide global connectivity to the business jet fleet of leading Asia Pacific business aviation charter and management group Hongkong Jet.... Read more »

UAS International Trip Support and Honeywell are joining forces to provide global connectivity to the business jet fleet of leading Asia Pacific business aviation charter and management group Hongkong Jet.

They are implementing UAS LinkEvolution for flight services and communication combined with Honeywell GoDirect cabin services for passenger connectivity.

The datalink solution delivers worldwide ACARS (datalink) service, as well as unlimited access to all worldwide VHF networks, including ARINC and SITA, as well as Inmarsat and Iridium satellite networks.

It will also enable Hongkong Jet’s fleet of several Gulfstream G650/G550, Falcon 8X, BBJ’s, and ACJ319 aircraft to keep abreast of datalink regulations and remain compliant, regardless of where the aircraft are flying.

The strategic alliance between the two companies originated in May 2017, when UAS International Trip Support and Honeywell ratified a partnership to expand Honeywell’s flight deck and cabin connectivity services through UAS LinkEvolution.

The benefits of using this communications technology include a single-vendor solution for the entire fleet; unlimited datalink communications over all VHF and satellite networks with no per kilobit charges or satellite premiums and reliable, 24/7 technical support, powered by Honeywell.

Omar Hosari, UAS Co-Owner/Founder and CEO said: “UAS is incredibly proud of the success we’ve had in promoting UAS LinkEvolution globally. We have been delivering cost-efficiency and reliability to operators since we began this partnership with Honeywell.

“We’re delighted to introduce Hongkong Jet to this technology and are confident their experience will be overwhelmingly positive.”

John Peterson, Vice President, Service and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace, said: “Honeywell GoDirect will provide cabin connectivity service for Hongkong Jet’s fleet, including Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX Ka-Band service that runs on Honeywell’s JetWave terminal.

“GoDirect offers a full suite of cabin connectivity services, along with cabin routers and tools to allow customisation of the user experience in the cabin to provide passengers with the connectivity they desire within a set budget.

“Local technical support in Hong Kong plus the GoDirect global technical support team assures customer connectivity issues are addressed quickly and correctly.”

Hongkong Jet said: “UAS LinkEvolution offers a customised and responsive solution to our unique flight deck communication requirements. It was a natural choice to make the switch, both in terms of performance and cost-efficiency.

“At Hongkong Jet we pride ourselves on being a well-informed, passionate team of experts who focus our undivided attention on providing business jet owners with a safe, professional, personal and proactive service that allows each aircraft owner to realize the full potential of business jet ownership.”

“Now with the introduction of LinkEvolution services for the flight deck and Honeywell GoDirect cabin connectivity services we can continue to service our clients according to our company ethos.”

UAS International Trip Support is an award-winning, customized flight support solutions provider, serving customers globally. Offering a one-stop shop for all aviation needs including trip support, executive travel, and air charter needs, UAS is trusted by Heads of State, VVIPs, Fortune Global 500 companies, and business jet operators worldwide.

Satcom Direct (SD) has announced the commercial service introduction of Intelsat FlexExec as part of its SD Xperience portfolio.

The first high-speed, managed, end-to-end broadband service designed specifically for the business aviation sector, FlexExec is now being commercially delivered in partnership with Intelsat and Astronics AeroSat.

At service introduction, four aircraft types are utilising the “Power-by-the-hour” system including a Dassault Falcon 7X and three Gulfstream models, GIV, G450 and G550.

In addition to the customer aircraft, SD has performed global network validation with its Gulfstream GIV, making this the first business aviation connectivity offering to undergo global beta testing prior to commercial service introduction.

Jim Jensen, CEO and founder of Satcom Direct, said: “Business aviation now has a dedicated connectivity system that can be tailored for customers to suit specific mission needs.

“The flexibility and resilience of the FlexExec system will bring enhanced connectivity to the industry, paired with SD Xperience at a time when synchronizing data across all aspects of flight operations to improve efficiency and safety is becoming increasingly important.

“The service introduction is the next step in the evolution of the digitized aviation industry.”

Significantly, the new service gives business aviation operators the ability to budget hourly connectivity rates for the first time ever. The “Power-by-the-Hour” plan, only available through the SD Xperience portfolio, provides clients with greater flexibility to plan for maintenance and downtime.

The hourly rate is inclusive of the full ecosystem of SD services, meaning cabin connectivity, datalink, scheduling, cybersecurity, post-flight reporting and more are all included, on a single consolidated monthly invoice. As well as maximizing operating budgets, SD Xperience synchronizes aircraft with flight operations through its integrated software, hardware and connectivity.

Mark Gardner, Crew Chief and Client Account Maintenance Manager for Meridian Air Charter, one of the FlexExec in-service evaluation operators, and now customer, said: “SD Xperience, combined with the FlexExec service, provides a much-needed, flexible connectivity option that we know delivers a high-performance, global, reliable service.

“Passengers expect constant connectivity and now we can deliver this while simultaneously enhancing the management of our dynamic operations through the real-time visibility delivered by SD Pro.

“We’re excited to be one of the first to maximize the new service. It is an invaluable and welcome solution to the complexity of fulfilling customer expectations, improving efficiencies and managing operational costs.”

Uniquely, customers are not subject to data speed caps as consistent delivery of up to 10Mbps into the cabin, and 2Mbps out, gives enough bandwidth to support streaming, large file transfers, and video conferencing on multiple Wi-Fi devices simultaneously.

Consistent delivery is augmented by the secure SD network infrastructure consisting of the SD Data Center and global Points of Presence (POPs) around the world.

“FlexExec was designed with business jet operators and their passengers in mind,” said Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution, Mark Rasmussen. “While travelling, passengers expect fast, reliable broadband connectivity with a consistently high level of service – from take-off to landing.

The flexibility and economies of scale inherent in FlexExec enable Satcom Direct to differentiate its services and deliver an end-user experience that is second to none.”

As the Master Distributor of the FlexExec service, usage is also supported via the SD Xperience end-to-end business infrastructure. In the air, SD provides the cabin networking hardware to give customers advance network management options.

The software delivered by the SD Pro Operating System delivers a variety of benefits including predictive connective mapping, cybersecurity threat monitoring, flight tracking and account management tools amongst other options.

On the ground, the FlexExec service is integrated with SD’s support team who are available for activation, provisioning and troubleshooting 24/7, 365 days a year ensuring bandwidth is available wherever customer aircraft are flying.

RUAG MRO International has successfully completed the first installation in Europe of a Gogo Avance L5 air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity system on a Dassault Falcon F900DX during its 2C inspection in Geneva.

The Wi-Fi-based communications solution ensures a 4G connectivity experience across up to 40 personal devices for streaming, inflight entertainment (IFE) and business communications functionality.

RUAG achieved the installation the Gogo Avance L5 system on the basis of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), designed by Dassault Falcon Jet Corp, and specifically validated for this project by EASA.

Stephan Woodtli, General Manager Site Agno, RUAG MRO International, said: “Our Falcon customer required full and seamless connectivity, for the broad selection of business and entertainment applications across various devices, at any given time. The Gogo Avance L5 system quickly became the solution to these exacting expectations.”

The one-stop shop project was a joint effort of the avionics specialists in Lugano-Agno and the authorised Dassault service centre in Geneva.

The connectivity and communications platform is lightweight and features an advanced 802.11ac dual-band router (5GHz and 2.4GHz).

The Gogo Avance L5 system installation was part of a more extended and complex cabin upgrade project focusing on modernisation and enhanced comfort.

“This latest achievement underscores our dedication to our business aircraft customers as we continuously strive to offer the latest in technology to enhance comfort and relaxation on board their aircraft,” said Pio Ming, General Manager at the authorised Falcon service centre in Geneva at MRO International.

“The best solutions stem from long-standing relationships with OEMs, like Dassault Falcon, where we all benefit from their established experience in the industry.”

As one of the leading distributors of Inmarsat airtime services, Eclipse and EAD Aerospace say they are proud to have been instrumental in enabling the first customers to use the Inmarsat GX Aviation network and the next generation of inflight connectivity.

SmartSky selected Gore’s vapor-sealed 7 Series for their new inflight connectivity system, which provides travellers with a true 4G LTE air-to-ground (ATG) connection in aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-135 operated by JetSuiteX.

SmartSky’s inflight connectivity system using Gore’s 7 Series has just received STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) approval for the Embraer ERJ-145. The certificate is required by the U.S. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for any modifications to an aircraft’s original design.

Gore worked closely with SmartSky’s STC partners to ensure the reliability of the system in a moisture-rich environment.

With more than 1,200 in service, the ERJ-145 is the largest twin-engine regional jet in a family that also includes the ERJ-135 and ERJ-140.

Darren Emery, Vice President for Product Support at SmartSkym said: “Gore’s well-earned reputation within the industry made choosing their routable cable assembly technology an easy decision.

“Gore’s 7 Series is high performance and exceptionally reliable, enabling a real fit-and-forget installation to exceed our customers’ expectations now and for many years to come.”

Gore Microwave/RF Assemblies, 7 Series with robust connector options improve signal integrity and speed with low loss up to 40 GHz making them an ideal solution for SmartSky’s new high-speed ATG technology.

They are designed precisely to prevent the ingress of water vapor, fuel, and other hazardous contaminants commonly found in airborne environments.

With smaller diameters, more flexibility and tighter bend radius, these assemblies also meet the complex routing requirements of SmartSky’s tight platforms without breaking or failing.

Gore’s 7 Series was also instrumental in helping SmartSky continue to stay on schedule with deploying their King Air B200 airborne test platform developed to optimize their new ATG network and test future technologies and applications.

Gogo Business Aviation today named the organisations to receive the company’s highest dealer honour for 2018 – the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five.

The award recognises the highest-performing organisations in the company’s global dealer and distributor network, as chosen by the executive team.

Recipients of the 51,000 Five award for 2018 are (in alphabetical order):

Dassault Aviation

Duncan Aviation

Gulfstream

Textron Aviation

West Star Aviation

The awards will be presented at 1 p.m. PT at Gogo’s booth (419) at the 62nd annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs.

“Our dealer partners are a key part of our success,” said David Salvador, vice president of aftermarket sales for Gogo Business Aviation.

“Our dealer partners not only provide great service, but understand how important it is that our mutual customers have a good experience before, during and after their inflight connectivity and entertainment system is installed.

“We congratulate and thank the 2018 winners of the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five award.”

Award selection is based on the dealer’s demonstrated commitment to helping customers get the most out of in-flight connectivity, as well as their technical expertise, sales performance and other factors.

Representing a pinnacle of achievement for a dealer, the award’s name was inspired by the highest altitude reached by aircraft in the business aviation industry – 51,000 feet.

]]>AMAC Aerospace to fit Ka-band inflight connectivity to a B737https://www.getconnected.aero/2019/03/amac-aerospace-to-fit-ka-band-inflight-connectivity-to-a-b737/
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:29:37 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7656AMAC Aerospace is pleased to announce that a new contract has been signed for a Boeing B737. The aircraft will arrive mid June in Basel, Switzerland. The aircraft will undergo... Read more »

AMAC Aerospace is pleased to announce that a new contract has been signed for a Boeing B737. The aircraft will arrive mid June in Basel, Switzerland.

The aircraft will undergo a partial cabin interior refurbishment. The company will install new high-definition monitors, screens and switch panels on board of the Boeing B737.

Based on an already existing STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) developed by AMAC Aerospace, a Ka-band inflight connectivity system will be installed on the B737 aircraft.

The Ka-band system offers broadband connection to use internet services as seamlessly as it is to have on the ground.

In addition, a new IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) system will be installed on the BBJ to provide wireless streaming on all passengers’ devises (iPad, Laptop, etc.).

Eric Hoegen, Director Completion Sales and Key Account Management, AMAC Aerospace, said: “AMAC Aerospace is well known for its Ka-band installations and we are proud to install the system on the Boeing B737. We are delighted to provide our customer the best connectivity in the air which is currently available on the market.”

Furthermore, a maintenance contract has been confirmed for a long-term customer of AMAC Aerospace. The Boeing B737 will undergo a B1, B2 and a due maintenance check at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

]]>Satair and Honeywell Aerospace sign JetWave agreementhttps://www.getconnected.aero/2019/02/satair-honeywell-aerospace-jetwave/
Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:12:00 +0000https://www.getconnected.aero/?p=7544Satair and Honeywell Aerospace have signed an agreement to distribute Honeywell’s JetWave high-speed in-flight connectivity system to a wide segment of the global business jet market. JetWave is an inflight... Read more »

Satair and Honeywell Aerospace have signed an agreement to distribute Honeywell’s JetWave high-speed in-flight connectivity system to a wide segment of the global business jet market.

JetWave is an inflight connectivity communication system that operates and communicates with the Inmarsat Ka-band GX satellite network to deliver high-speed internet into the cabin to connect multiple devices.

The business arm of the GX Aviation service is called Jet ConneX.

It allows travellers to keep in touch with their business teams, stream live TV and join video conferences to give global connectivity from take-off to touchdown.

Satair will be distributing JetWave to the EMEA and India based Honeywell Dealers, as well as Part 145 MRO and repair facilities that will undertake the installation work and are not part of the Honeywell network.

Because Satair has invested in a large pool of full ship sets of JetWave stock and will hold a certain inventory level of all Honeywell JetWave components, it says it will be able to offer immediate delivery to give an enhanced service to ease the management of the installation.

This new agreement with Honeywell Aerospace for the business jet market, builds on several other product lines that Satair also distributes to this sector.

This includes the global management of the ADS-B Out upgrade programme on Honeywell Primus-equipped business aircraft and the global distribution of several Honeywell Sensing product lines.

Allan Riis, Business Development Director, Satair said: “We are delighted that Honeywell continues to trust Satair to deliver great service to the business and general aviation market.

“We now have dedicated Single Point of Contact (SPOC) order desks for JetWave and other business aviation products and we see JetWave as part of a continuous journey by Satair into the important business and general aviation market.”

Raghed Talih, Director, Aftermarket Sales and Services, Honeywell Aerospace, Middle East, Turkey, India and Africa, said: “We are very pleased to further expand our relationship with Satair, and our history of collaboration especially on the Primus and ADS-B mandate programme has demonstrated that Satair is a proactive and likeminded partner when bringing our products to market.”